Ekman-Larsson was stapled from behind by Joakim Nordstrom in the Coyotes loss to the Blackhawks on Thursday. It was late in the third period, but he left and did not return. His absence this afternoon makes him questionable for Saturday’s contest vs. the Devils.

Ekman-Larsson has missed the last two games with an upper-body injury that he suffered last Thursday. OEL has been one of the better defensemen in fantasy this season, he has 22 points (4G / 18A) in 40 games and should be activated in all formats. Expect him to be paired with Derek Morris tonight and jump back onto the top power-play unit alongside Keith Yandle.

OEL was crunched into the boards by Blue Jackets forward Derek MacKenzie. It appeared to be a shoulder injury and the Coyotes have deemed him day-to-day. Head coach Dave Tippet said that Ekman-Larsson "looked alright" following the loss. The Coyotes are back in action tomorrow, monitor OEL's status during the game-day skate.

Phoenix Coyotes General Manager Don Maloney announced today that the Coyotes have signed defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson to a six-year contract. As per club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Ekman-Larsson leads all Coyotes defensemen in scoring and assists with 3-14-17 in 27 games. He also ranks tied for sixth among all NHL defensemen in points.

"Those are the kinds of things out there that we're expecting," coach Dave Tippett said. "That's how we're going to have to play if we're going to win. We need everybody doing the little things, a little extra in a game.

Ekman-Larsson starts the season on the second defensive pairing, playing alongside Adrian Aucoin. Last season he scored a goal and 11 points through 48 games with the Coyotes. Expect the former 6th overall pick to continue developing in a tight, defensive system.